Trump Gets Booed at NFL Game While Reading Military Oath With House Speaker Mike Johnson in Attendance

Speaking at Sunday’s Washington Commanders game, President Donald Trump faced fans who were not impressed. As soon as he appeared on the videoboard late in the first half, some spectators booed. The jeering continued when the stadium announcer introduced him at halftime.

Trump stood in a suite with House Speaker Mike Johnson and read an oath for military members during an on-field enlistment ceremony. The crowd’s reaction made it clear they were there for football, not politics.

“I’m a little bit late,” Trump told reporters after landing at Joint Base Andrews. He then rode in the presidential limo to the stadium.

“We’re gonna have a good game. Things are going along very well. The country’s doing well. The Democrats have to open it up,” he said, referencing the government shutdown.

Before his arrival, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown with the “Trump dance,” a gesture athletes began last year, showing the stadium already had its entertainment.

During the third quarter, Trump spoke on the field with Fox broadcasters Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma. Albert asked about his high school football days at New York Military Academy.

“I played tight end, but it was not quite football like this. It was a little bit easier. It wasn’t so tough,” Trump said.

Trump left before the game ended, which saw the Lions beat the Commanders 44-22. He became the first sitting president to attend a regular-season NFL game since Jimmy Carter in 1978. He had previously attended a Super Bowl during his first term.

Trump also discussed the team’s future stadium plans. “They’re going to build a beautiful stadium. That’s what I’m involved in, we’re getting all the approvals and everything else,” he said. “And you have a wonderful owner, Josh, and his group. And you’re going to see some very good things.”

Watching with Trump were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Republican Senator Steve Daines of Montana. For them, the event combined ceremony, politics, and sports.

Trump’s relationship with the NFL has long been tense. During his first term, he criticized players kneeling during the national anthem and pushed team owners to take action.

Featured image via X screengrab